A Life Time Ago

The year was 1971, we were newlyweds, looking for a nest to raise our family.  The real estate market was slim back then.  After looking at a few homes we found out they were  in need of much renovation or repair.  My dad posed us the idea of building it ourselves.  Of course he was confident, he was a home builder.  We had very little money to even think of a brand new home.  Mom and dad  must have discussed their plans for us way ahead of time.  Their idea was, for the Mister and me  to move into their home, while they spent the winter in Florida.  When they returned in Spring we would break ground!!  They had it all planned out; by staying in their house we would save about six months of rent.  And that would be all the money we would need for our down payment. 

 We still weren't sure if we could financially swing it.  My father-in-law, gave us the advice we needed.  He said, "build the SOB, if you loose it you loose it!"  And that's the premise we went on!!!  We stored most of our furniture at the Mister's brother's vacant upstairs.  And off to Hollandtown we moved.  House plans were sent back and forth from Florida to Wisconsin, revisions being made with each exchange.  Finally the plans were a GO!!!

We purchased our lot, and I imagined what the view would look like if I were looking out my front door, and here is what I saw!!

With the help of family members and both of our dad's knowledge,  construction began.

We worked all summer!  There were millions of decisions to make; almost too many for a young couple.  We relied heavily on  the advise of others.  Some of those decisions were good choices, and others were 'if I had to do it over, I would have...'

About July of that year, the Mister and I were so sick of the house, we wanted to sell it 'as is'!  But our Dutch and German heritage said no, and we pushed forward.  

Moving in day was one of those memorable moments of married life!!  

Those 'four walls' were our home for many years!!  We raised our children there.  We had many celebrations that were an intricate part of our family.   

The house has changed in appearance through the years; and so have we.  When we retired two years ago, we wanted to make our cottage our home, but to be sure we hung on to the house in the city for a year. 

Our next chapter in our lives is beginning today.  We are closing on our house in town, and the cottage will now be called 'home'.

We will never forget our first home, as it served us well.  Now it is time to move on and make more memories in our current home!!!

And that's the way it is!!